blog home Truck Accidents Can AI-Driven Trucks Be Liable in an Accident? A Lawyer’s Perspective

Can AI-Driven Trucks Be Liable in an Accident? A Lawyer’s Perspective

By Jason Bottlinger on May 16, 2025

Self-driving technology has revolutionized industries across the globe, and the trucking sector is no exception. As these vehicles begin to share the roads with human drivers, many are wondering who’s liable for an accident that’s caused by an AI-driven truck.

There are several parties that could bear liability in the cases, including trucking companies, manufacturers, software developers, human supervisors, and truck maintenance companies.

This new technology raises some very important legal questions, so it’s important to find an experienced lawyer with extensive knowledge of liability law if you’ve been injured in an accident involving an AI-driven truck.

Understanding AI-Driven Truck Liability

Unlike traditional trucks operated by human drivers, self-driving trucks rely on artificial intelligence systems to perform driving functions. These systems use sensors, cameras, machine learning algorithms, and cloud-based data to make real-time decisions on the road. While they can reduce human error, they are not infallible.

When a self-driving truck causes a crash, the question becomes: who (or what) is at fault? The possibilities include:

• The manufacturer of the AI system
• The trucking company using the vehicle
• The software developer or supplier
• A maintenance provider
• A human supervisor (if one was present)

Because AI does not have personhood under the law, liability does not fall on the technology itself, but rather on the entities behind it. This makes AI-driven truck liability a matter of product liability, corporate responsibility, and negligence law.

Common Causes of Autonomous Truck Accidents

While self-driving trucks are programmed to follow traffic laws and maintain safe distances, accidents still occur. These incidents often result from:

• Sensor or software malfunctions
• Misinterpretation of road conditions
• Poor integration with human-operated vehicles
• Inadequate response to emergency situations
• Lack of proper maintenance or system updates

In these scenarios, determining fault becomes a complicated process. The cause may lie in the software, the truck’s mechanical components, or decisions made by fleet operators. A seasoned Omaha truck accident attorney can investigate and identify where liability should fall.

How Truck Liability Laws Apply to Self-Driving Technology

Most current truck liability laws are based on the assumption that a human is behind the wheel. With AI-operated vehicles, we must shift focus from driver behavior to:

• System performance
• Corporate decision-making
• Compliance with safety regulations

If an autonomous truck causes a crash due to a programming error, the injured party may file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or developer. If the trucking company failed to maintain or update the AI systems, it could be liable under traditional negligence principles.

For now, courts evaluate self-driving truck accidents using frameworks that apply to human-caused crashes. But as AI becomes more prevalent, state and federal lawmakers are expected to update statutes to address the unique issues posed by autonomous vehicles.

Who Can Be Liable in an Omaha AI Truck Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, several parties might be held accountable:

The Trucking Company

Fleet operators are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are safe for public roads. If a company fails to monitor system performance, conduct updates, or comply with safety regulations, it may be liable for damages.

The Manufacturer

Truck and component manufacturers can be held responsible if a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. This includes defective braking systems, tires, or sensors that are integral to autonomous functions.

The Software Developer

When the root cause of a collision is traced to a flaw in the vehicle’s code or decision-making logic, the software company that built or licensed the AI system could be liable under product liability laws.

Supervisors

Some AI-driven trucks still require human oversight, particularly during highway entry and exit or urban driving. If a supervisor fails to take control of the vehicle when necessary, their inaction may be seen as negligence.

Maintenance Contractors

If the truck was improperly maintained or updated, a third-party maintenance provider could also bear some responsibility.

What to Do After an Autonomous Truck Accident in Omaha

If you’re injured in a crash involving a self-driving truck, take the following steps:

1. Call emergency services and seek medical attention.
2. Document the scene with photos, video, and witness information.
3. Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurance adjusters until you have consulted with an Omaha self-driving truck accident attorney.
4. Collect identifying information from the truck and any supervisors on site.
5. Contact an experienced Omaha truck accident attorney right away.

Because autonomous truck accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties and cutting-edge technology, the claims process can be far more complex than a standard vehicle collision. Working with a legal team familiar with AI-driven truck liability gives you the best chance at securing a favorable outcome.

The Future of Self-Driving Truck Laws

As technology evolves, so must the law. Several states are exploring legislation aimed at regulating self-driving vehicles. These may eventually include:

• Standards for software testing and certification
• Requirements for human oversight in certain driving conditions
• Mandatory crash data recording systems
• Liability rules tailored to autonomous technologies

Until these frameworks are fully developed, the burden of interpreting and applying the law falls on attorneys and judges. That’s why it’s essential to work with a legal team that understands both trucking law and AI advancements.

Talk With an Experienced Omaha Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Have you or a loved one been injured in a crash involving an autonomous truck in Omaha? You deserve clarity, answers, and trusted legal support. At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we understand how emerging technologies like AI complicate traditional legal claims, and we know how to build strong cases to help you move forward.

Our firm has been recognized by Expertise.com as one of the Best Personal Injury and Best Car Accident Attorneys in Omaha. Jason Bottlinger is a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We’ll file a claim or lawsuit against anyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries.

Call us today at (402) 505-8234 to schedule your free consultation.